Large-scale SEA-EYE rescue operation in the central Mediterranean: 144 individuals saved
In a distressing turn of events, the Sea-Eye 5, a civilian rescue ship, saved 144 people who had been drifting at sea on an unseaworthy wooden boat for several days. However, the journey towards safety has not been without challenges, as European governments continue to hinder the work of civilian helpers like Sea-Eye.
The saga began on Sunday morning at 9 a.m., when the Sea-Eye 5 received a distress call from Alarm Phone. Upon reaching the location, the crew found themselves in a dire situation, with several of the rescued individuals exhibiting signs of dehydration and undernourishment. Two people even had critical conditions and were medically evacuated by the Italian Coast Guard.
The pregnant woman among the rescued was a stark reminder of the hardships these individuals have already endured. Gorden Isler, chairman of Sea-Eye e.V., expressed his dismay at the treatment of these people, calling it cruel in light of their ordeal.
Dr. Giovanni Cappa, on board the Sea-Eye 5, warned that the people on board are enduring extreme temperatures and cramped conditions due to the distant disembarkation port, which is approximately 40 hours away - the port of Taranto.
European governments have not established a state-run rescue operation, and instead, are actively hindering the work of civilian helpers. This has forced rescue ships like the SEA-EYE 5 to travel longer, more dangerous routes in the Mediterranean.
The EU cooperates with and funds the Libyan coast guard, which has been involved in hostile actions against rescue ships. Additionally, European governments, notably including Italy and others in the EU, actively hinder the work of civilian aid organizations like Sea-Eye by failing to establish official maritime rescue operations.
Tomorrow marks the tenth anniversary of the deaths of Alan Kurdi, his brother Ghalib, and their mother Rehanna, a tragic reminder of the human cost of these policies.
In a move that offers some hope, an Italian naval ship was sent to escort the SEA-EYE 5 to Taranto on Monday evening. The crew was instructed to bring approximately 100 remaining people to the port of Taranto.
Despite requests to be allowed to head to a closer port, the crew's pleas were unanswered. As the Sea-Eye 5 navigates the remaining hours of this arduous journey, the plight of these rescued individuals serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for humane and effective policies in dealing with the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.
A press release issued by Sea-Eye regarding the current situation further highlights the challenges faced by these individuals and the important work of organizations like Sea-Eye in providing them with a glimmer of hope in their perilous journey.
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